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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Incarvillea sinensis is a ANNUAL/PERENNIAL growing to 0.9 m (3ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Cultivated Beds; East Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses:

Leaves and young shoots - cooked. A famine food, it is only used when all else fails[179]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Skin

The plant is used to treat skin ailments, spongy gums and ulcers[218].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Easily grown in a deep well-drained sandy but rich soil in full sun[1, 200]. Plants grow better if they are given some shade around midday[200]. Dislikes dry summer soils and winter wet[200]. One report says that this species should be grown in a greenhouse[1] whilst another says that it is hardy to about -15°, tolerating lower temperatures if the roots are well mulched, preferably with dry bracken[200]. The crown of the plant requires protection from slugs in the winter[187]. A very ornamental plant, it usually takes about 1 - 2 years to come into flower from seed[1]. A variable species[214], some forms are perennial whilst others are annual[1]. I. sinensis sinensis is an annual whilst I. sinensis variabilis (Batal.)Grierson is a perennial[200]. Plants are intolerant of root disturbance, it is best to place them in their permanent positions whilst small[200]. The plants will often sulk for several years if they are divided[214].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Propagation

Seed - sow autumn or spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out into their permanent positions in spring after the last expected frosts. Division with care in early spring or autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Incarvillea delavayi	Hardy Gloxinia	Perennial	0.4	7-9	M	LM	SN	M	1	0

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Incarvillea sinensis - Lam.